What size steel for a small standie (slouchie) chassis?

[Cliffmeister2000]

Did you calculate tongue weight yet? I have a hunch your axle is too far back. I agree with Andrew that target weight could be easy to miss. Ours was 1400# and ended up at 1980#.

Thanks for the comments! I have not yet tried to calculate the tongue weight.

As far as axle placement, I basically just drew the tires in so I could play with the drawing. My brother has a 1969 Cardinal, so I asked him where the axle is on his.

Chassis length (without tongue or bumper) 149"
Chassis length (with Tongue) 193.5"
Chassis length (with tongue and bumper) 200.25"

Center of (sprung) axle to rear of chassis (w/o bumper) 68"

So, axle approx at the 45%/55% point in the chassis.

Modified drawing to show this axle placement. You are right, the axle was way too far back. I have to remember this is not going to be a teardrop.



For the moment, I will modify the weight to be 2,200 lbs. 200 is for the extra weight of the pop top. 2,000 based on your comments and others. Still well within the 7,650 lbs towing capacity of my Dodge pickup.

[angib]

Cliff, I would make the front cross-member out of 2x2 tube, not angle, as that takes quite a lot of load. Otherwise, lookin' good.

[Cliffmeister2000]

Cliff, I would make the front cross-member out of 2x2 tube, not angle, as that takes quite a lot of load. Otherwise, lookin' good.

Thanks, Andrew!